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| Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Primary Schools in Dodoma City, Tanzania: Challenges and Strategies Adopted in Enhancing their Academic Achievements |
Cosmas Timothy Maembe, Josephine Ackim, Seleman Shenkambi Hamza
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Abstract:
Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) are one of the most challenging problems in both developed and developing countries. The challenge of OVC is global and alarming, especially in access to education. This study investigated the challenges and strategies adopted by OVC in enhancing their academic achievements in primary schools in Dodoma City. A structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, in-depth interview, semi-structured interview, and documentary review were used to collect data. The study involved 55 OVCs from standard I to standard VII and 13 key informants from the office of the City Council (Head of Education Department, Head of Health and Social Welfare Department), Ward Executive Officers from four wards, Head Teachers from four primary schools, and leaders of orphanage centers. The data collected from respondents was analyzed using NVivo software. The findings revealed that OVC are constrained by various challenges which limit their efforts to enhance their academic achievements in primary schools, including lack of school supplies, lack of concentration among OVC in education, shortage of food and poverty, and inadequate discriminatory care. OVC opt for various strategies to cope with these hardships, including engagement in different economic activities, leaving school early, and seeking help from family members and relatives. The study recommends the relevant ministry (PO-RALG) to facilitate the availability of educational resources among OVC in order to assist them in realizing their educational goals. The government, in collaboration with CSOs, FBOs, and the community, should formulate programs that will conduct community awareness, psychosocial support, and most vulnerable household income-generating activities, as well as children's policy advocacy, education, health services, and food security support interventions. Furthermore, the government, through the Community Development and Social Welfare Department, should promote and protect OVC by creating an enabling environment for affected children and their families. The government should provide social support (such as food, school uniforms, scholarly materials, shelters, and health services) to OVC and subsides to exempt OVC from costs such as health and mid-day school meal expenses.
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